About the rocket attacks

My understanding is that it's because their water is cut off, good jobs are scarce, they can't emigrate, and they have to spend long hours at checkpoints day after day. I don't condone the rocket attacks but they might feel they have no other choice.

Here is the text of the press release on Gaza issued by the MN Green Party:

Green Party of Minnesota

For Immediate Release December 28, 2008

Dave Bicking, Spokesperson Rhoda Gilman, Spokesperson

GREEN PARTY CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON GAZA

The Green Party of Minnesota condemns the ongoing bombing of the Palestinian territory of Gaza by the Israeli military. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and many more are seriously wounded. There can be no justification for this violence.

The situation is compounded by the ongoing humanitarian disaster caused by the 18 month long siege imposed by Israel as an illegal act of collective punishment. The 1.5 million residents of Gaza were already facing malnutrition and shortages of medical supplies, water, and electricity. Hospitals that were already barely functioning are now overwhelmed with the wounded.

We call upon our representatives and our government to condemn these attacks and to work for an immediate ceasefire. This must be backed up by a cessation of all aid to Israel as long as it persists in these crimes against humanity and against international law. The silence of our leaders has allowed the siege to continue, and it has encouraged this escalation.

We support our 2008 Presidential candidate, Cynthia McKinney, as she courageously takes part in a shipment of medical aid that will break through the siege of Gaza. She is onboard a ship leaving from Cyprus on a mission organized by Free Gaza, a group that has successfully defied the siege several times in the last five months.

This crisis is urgent, and it is likely to be ongoing. Israel has threatened to continue and to escalate its violence until it achieves its goals. Our response must be immediate and ongoing as well. In that spirit, we endorse the following actions sponsored by WAMM (Women Against Military Madness):

Protest the Israeli Actions in Gaza and U.S. Unconditional Support of Israel Tuesday, December 30th, 10am to 5pm or office closing 1) Minneapolis office of Senator Amy Klobuchar: 1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250 2) Office of Congressperson Keith Ellison: 2100 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis

We also encourage our members and the public to contact their representatives.